Organisation: Light for the World Austria
(c)Light-for-the-World
Burkina Faso is a sub-Saharan country that ratified the UN CRPD and the Optional Protocol in 2009. Subsequently, it adopted a national law on the rights of disabled persons in April 2010. However, the implementation of these legal instruments is, as yet, far from guaranteed. Initially started by International Service, in May 2010, seven independent Disabled Persones’ Organisations (DPOs), the National Federation of DPOs and four International NGOs, including LIGHT FOR THE WORLD, joined forces to play an active and effective role in building up the capacities of both the government and DPOs, and in holding the government accountable for the implementation of the provisions of the Convention. The Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Human Rights welcomed the initiative, and organised a conference with all ministries, relevant civil society organisations, DPOs and international NGOs on the implementation of the UN CRPD. The Ministry of Social Affairs developed a National Strategy for the Promotion and Protection of Disabled Persons. Together with an interdepartmental body, it is responsible for monitoring its implementation.
The DPOs formed an Advocacy Group (CAP) that watches over the developments and continues to push for concrete and structural implementation. The National Human Rights Institute is involved as an important actor. This process offers learning in building coalitions and effective partnerships to monitor implementation of the UN CRPD.
Internet: www.light-for-the-world.org
